Franking machine help please!

[ethelb]

Right I have my brand new franking machine (it's not set up properly yet but that is a whole other thread).

I am just about to order some supplies for posting it, as I understand I need to post first class and second class in different coloured pouches.

However, how many do I need? Do I get them back again? Or do I need to order a month's supply in one go?

Plus, I understand I use the pouches for dropping off at the post office, but what about the business mail post boxes? Do they need to be in pouches if they go in those? And what about if I arrange for mail to be collected by the Royal Mail? How would they be sorted then?

Sorry for stupid questions but any help would be much appreciated!

You can order your mail puches here.

We used to have about 5 of each plus two Special Delivery/International ones. They're normally sent back within a couple of days though we did have one turn up last week after several months

I've never used business mail post boxes but i've seen people putting the pouches into them.

Thanks! I have ordered. Do you drop off at the post office then?

If i have a lot i drop them at the post office, if not i just put the franked mail in the letterbox.

Can you put them in a normal letterbox?

I just put them in the franked mail boxes no need for pouches. The boxes open at 11am and close at 6.30pm so plenty of time and are big enough for even medium sized parcels.

Thanks for the help. Im finding the royal mail guidance a bit confusing. One more annoyed question. If you dont put franked mail in business post boxes in pouches, do you wrap the different post (2nd class 1st class) in rubber bands? Hx

No just dump it all in the box. Take great care with the difference between letters and large letters. The fine for getting it wrong is £1.50 plus the additional postage. We bought one of those special rulers and if it doesn't slide through the slot easily it goes large letter.